A study comparing the effect of dermaroller versus dermaroller with copper peptide in the management of acne scars

Objectives: The objective of the study is to determine and observe the effect of derma-roller monotherapy versus the combined therapeutic use of derma-roller with a copper peptide compound in the treatment of acne scars. Material and Methods: Patients with facial acne scars were recruited to the study, considering the inclusion criteria, and were divided into two groups based on the treatment administered: either derma roller or derma roller with copper peptide. The patients were followed up every 3 weeks for up to 16 weeks, using Goodman and Baron’s quantitative and qualitative acne scar assessment scoring. The copper peptide used in the study is a glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine – tripeptide -1 serum booster (Brand name– skin perfection), which is readily available as 0.5–1% serum. A commercially available dermaroller (brand name – dermaroller system) equipped with 540 titanium-coated needles, each measuring 1.5 mm in length, was utilized in the study. Results: Group B (dermaroller with copper peptide) consistently had slightly higher Goodman and Baron index values than Group A (dermaroller alone) throughout the study period. The P -values at baseline and Week 3 indicated significant differences, implying that copper peptide could help facilitate early improvements in the GB Index. However, from Week 6 onward, the P -values showed no significant difference between the groups in the subsequent weeks. This suggests that copper peptide may drive faster initial improvements, but both treatments yield similar results over the long term. At the same time, risk of hyperpigmentation was noted to be higher in those groups treated with copper peptide compared to the group treated with plain dermaroller. Conclusion: While copper peptide showed enhanced results in the early weeks, there was no significant difference between the groups in regard to treatment response in later weeks. Keeping in mind the risk of hyperpigmentation with copper peptide, dermaroller can be considered a cost-effective standalone therapy in the management of acne scars.